While this incredible <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/10/11/fluid-marine-research-center-inspired-by-tsunami-waves/" target="_blank">Marine Research Center's </a> may appear quite futuristic in form, the design was actually inspired by the structure of an ensuing tsnumai wave. Designed by Maine-based <a href="http://www.solus4.com/" target="_blank">Solus4</a>, this off-shore research center was an entry for a competition co-sponsored by Arquitectum and Universitas Pelita Harapan in Indonesia. Still feeling the aftereffects of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which devastated countless communities, the competition was initiated to address the need for <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/24/new-tsunami-generator-can-help-designers-create-wave-proof-buildings/" target="_blank">tsunami research</a> and the development of effective disaster relief measures. Solus4's response is fluid building that not only provides space for study and research, but generates all of its own power and clean water.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

Maine-based architectural firm Solus4 designed this concept for a competition sponsored by Arquitectum and Universitas Pelita Harapan in Indonesia.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

The research center is intended to provide a place for scientists to study tsunamis and develop disaster responses.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

The center would be located about 100 meters off the coast of Kuta beach in Bali and would serve as a visitor center and a tourist attraction.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

The 2,500 sq meter facility has space for labs, living quarters for scientists, an auditorium, a seawater pool and an aquatic garden library.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

The futuristic and fluid research center would feature sweeping views through large windows of the surrounding aquatic environment.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

Underwater viewing platforms would let visitors get an upclose look at the sea life to develop a better appreciation of the Bali coast.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

The facility would be completely net zero and produce its own power from tidal generators, located in the water nearby, and from photovoltaics embedded in the building and glass.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

Rainwater would be collected from the building and seawater conversion systems and be turned into potable water for domestic use.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

Climate control and cooling for the facility would be provided by an underwater heat pump able to bring up cool ocean water to cool the skin of the building.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

Solus4's form and structure is inspired by the tsunami wave.

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Marine Research Center Indonesia

While this incredible Marine Research Center's may appear quite futuristic in form, the design was actually inspired by the structure of an ensuing tsnumai wave. Designed by Maine-based Solus4, this off-shore research center was an entry for a competition co-sponsored by Arquitectum and Universitas Pelita Harapan in Indonesia. Still feeling the aftereffects of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which devastated countless communities, the competition was initiated to address the need for tsunami research and the development of effective disaster relief measures. Solus4's response is fluid building that not only provides space for study and research, but generates all of its own power and clean water.